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FrancoAngeli Journals

Esperienze e pratiche

No. 1 (2026): Higher Education for Digital and Soft Skills: Innovative Approaches

Regional-themed board games and teacher training: An experience in Molise

DOI
https://doi.org/10.3280/exioa1-2026oa23219
Submitted
luglio 6, 2026
Published
2026-07-21

Abstract

The article analyses the role of board games in teacher training, with particular reference to a specific type of game: those with a regional theme. Play is considered a fundamental dimension of human experience and an effective learning tool, capable of fostering engagement, experimentation and knowledge construction. In recent years, alongside video games, there has been a renewed interest in board games, appreciated for their transparency, adaptability and relational dimension in face-to-face settings. The experience described concerns a university workshop, held at the University of Molise, in which 48 female students experienced two regionally themed games: the Tombola geografica del Molise and Molise. Ma tu… a chi appartien’?. The experience falls within the framework of Game-Based Learning (GBL), using authentic games rather than inserting game elements into non-game contexts. Through a questionnaire, views, perceptions, play practices and educational potential were investigated. The results show a very positive attitude towards play, considered by all participants to be a learning tool. Both games were rated as engaging and easily understandable, and usable for educational purposes in primary school. Despite the limitations of the small sample and exploratory nature, the study highlights the value of board games as didactic tools, with specific potential in relation to the teaching of history and geography at a regional level, and underlines the need to develop further experiences and projects in the educational field.

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